Tamar and Judah

Genesis 38

This story seems to have nothing to do with anything around it. The significance of it in the context of the Joseph story may have to do with a by-now familiar concern of Genesis with the continuation of family as the bearer of the promise of God through Israel.

By the end of the chapter Tamar is vindicated and Judah doesn’t look so good. This is not just because of his stunning hypocrisy. Tamar’s deception and sexual conduct is (a) in response to what was denied her, and (b) less than Judah’s sin in failing to risk the life of his son for the sake of continuance of family. That’s a lot to ask, but it is what risking has been about since Genesis 12. It’s a question of whether the promise is to be trusted or not.

I find reading this passage hard – more sordidness, more degrading of a woman in a vulnerable position. But I find it heartening in the end because it sees the specific behaviour in the context of human need (Tamar), and is less preoccupied with specific behaviours than the bigger picture they are part of. Still, it’s a bit of an effort to get to that, and I’ll be glad to move on with the Joseph story.

Prayer:
God of grace, don’t let me be indignant at others so I can feel better about my own failings, especially when it’s so unnecessary, because of your mercy. Through Christ. Amen.